The order, valued at US$2.75 billion at list prices, also includes purchase rights for an additional 25 B737 MAX 8 and B737 MAX 9 airplanes.

“This deal is a game-changer for Malaysia Airlines, with much lower costs and greater efficiency which we will pass on to our loyal customers with lower fares,” said MAB’s chief executive Peter Bellew.

The airline’s new chief has also revealed that MAB will be introducing a premium economy class offering on its A380s and yet-to-be delivered A350s.

According to The Edge Financial Daily, Bellew noted that the product has already been retrofitted on one of its A380 aircraft, but that the carrier will not be selling the seats until four more of its superjumbos have been fitted.

Bellew expects the retrofit of all six A380s to be completed by March 2017.

Looking ahead, the A350, which Malaysia Airlines expects to take delivery of from October 2017 through to April 2018, will also come with premium economy class.

The fuel-efficient aircraft is seen as a replacement for the A380 on the Kuala Lumpur–London route, and will also serve two more destinations that the airline is currently finalising.